Hi Kevin,

Was that picture specifically 1950?  The woman (assuming that it’s actually a female) almost looks like it could be Donna Lee Graham, but she wouldn’t have been at Tech in 1950.

Otherwise, it probably took place at the Kerredge theater in Hancock. That’s where the stage revues took place at the time I started at Tech. Backstage was a fascinating  place; the walls were covered with posters, signatures, etc. of the entertainers who once played there.  Some historical names were still well known in the 50′s as well as now. I would think that they also may have played in Calumet, too. It’s too bad that it burned down. At the time I was living in the newly acquired Pryor House for the girls which was across the street from the College Motel. (It was only used one year as the second dorm.) We could see the flames from there.  It’s a wonder that more buildings didn’t burn.

As an aside, Maude Adams played in Calumet and her name is on one of the posters at the Calumet theater. Her picture which Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, Shrinking Man, Twilight Zone scripts & many more) saw in the opera house in Virginia City was the inspiration for his science fiction romance novel Bid Time Return. It’s since been renamed because of the movie Somewhere In Time which was filmed almost entirely on Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel has been having a Somewhere In Time themed event for at least 25 years now.

Googling the theater’s name brought up the City of Hancock’s website with blurb about it.

Gail Richter ’61

Thanks for the details, Gail! The next time I go to Habaneros in Hancock (in the former Scott Hotel), I’ll think of the Kerredge’s former location next door.

Kevin,

Welcome aboard!

In 1964 I wrote and directed a musical mockumentary about the little known venture by Ponce de Leon to the Copper Country, and his encounter with the local Findians.  Ponce found a bubbling spring, but it wasn’t the fountain of youth.  However the spring did go on to play a major role in the history of Houghton brewing.  Noteworthy about the skit was that the leading role of Findian Chief Makiasarianenutilla was played by Dave Hill who decide to forgo a Thespian life under the lights to become the long-time Chief Engineer for Corvette.

Don Ingersoll  ‘67

During 1953-1956, the Carnival stage review was held in the (even then) historic Kerridge (sp?) theater in Hancock. Probably, the 1950 review was also held there. The Kerridge burned down, I think, some years ago.  It had main floor seating and 2 balconies. The upper balcony wasn’t used, as I remember; but we did sneak up there once to take a look. There were special boxes in the corners of the first balcony; maybe also the 2nd.  During one of our skits, I found a flyer on a wall backstage, advertising a night with Enrico Caruso!

Jim Bailey, ’56.